my report

“In the end people are just ignorant.” This comment was stated by a student by the name
of Brandon Walters. He was one of the students in a class that was interviewed to find what they
thought on the topic of racism. This statement is agreeable in some ways. Some people are racist
because it is the way they were raised and they don’t know any differently. This is why the idea
of having a Tolerance/Anti-Racism class at Spring Valley High School is suggestible.
School should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. Unfortunately however, there are
circumstances that make it not as enjoyable to a mass of people. Judgment is an issue that we, as
humans, all experience at some point in life. There is stereotyping and racial tension in almost
every place you go. However there may be a way to help eventually cease all the hate in this
world. The answer very well could be to simply teach people how to respect one another. With the
right motivation equality could be something that can excel tremendously. All that is needed is a
little push and it could be accomplished. Accomplishing a more open minded, friendlier
environment will take some effort, but it would be a great outcome and be well worth it in the
end.
If the matter you think this class will fail is that of financial issues , you can rest easy
knowing that it is quite inexpensive. This class is one that does not really necessarily need a text
book in order to instruct. Everyday things may be used in this circumstance. The building blocks
needed for this can be found at any local library. For example a great book to reference from is
“The Sneetches”. This story is by non other than the renown, children’s books author Dr. Seuss.
In this tale Dr. Seuss tells of bird-like creatures that have issues in accepting one another.
Throughout the story the Sneetches are constantly trying to prove how they are better than the
others. However in the end when the Sneetches no longer can make any differences to “make
themselves better” than the others, the Sneetches realize their errors in the way they were treating the others. The Sneetches all realize the equality that they all share and befriend one another.
This simple children’s story shows a strong reflection on the outcomes of both rejection and
acceptance. A fun and easy to comprehend lesson and it’s absolutely free as long as you have a
library card.
Perhaps you merely do not believe the class would actually work. Well in response to
this is the fact that other schools that do have these programs are actually becoming less racial
pitted and more focused on learning. “When you don’t have to worry about being bullied for who
you are or what you look like. You no longer have to fear coming to school and can enjoy
yourself.” Said a girl when asked on the subject of tolerance in schools. This class could benefit
other activities in the school as well. Such as the club Friends of Rachael for example. There is a
day called Mix it up day that many schools have been participating in. The day is quite simple.
The students start off the day by receiving a colored piece of paper. After receiving their colours
the students go out on a field, such as the football field, and find the rest of the people with that
colour. After they are put into groups the students converse with each other about many different
topics and get to know each other. It’s a fun day filled with events that let you actually get to
know the people around you. According to statistics 83% of the students said that the event
helped students make new friends. 79% of the students stated that as a result of the day students
have heightened sensitivity towards tolerance and social justice issues. Also 78% said that it
made students seem more comfortable interacting with different kinds of people. It’s a great way
to start seeing people’s faces not just seeing them
as a random person walking by.
Knowledge has a lot to do with racism and intolerance. In a poll taken from three
different classes it was found that out of sixty-six students only eleven knew what the Holocaust
was. A vital reason in the equation of racism may be because of this fact. This class would be a
burst of light on the ignorance on the subject. With knowledge on what could happen when
racism goes spiraling out of control the students may think twice before neglecting a person for
their differences.
As you can see there are quite a few things that these classes can offer to the student body
and later when they leave, the community. In fact who knows how far this could go. It may affect
society as a whole in the future. Can you imagine a world where no one would ever has to
worry about what may happen just for their beliefs and such? In everything there is always a
possibility. Now think Spring Valley High School, could very well be one of the starts in this. As
long as we all are trying to strive for the same goal anything is possible. Together as one we are a
united heart, and together we all make the heart beat.